security concerns

Alibaba’s Ali Small Number, a virtual number service launched in 2014, is shutting down due to security concerns and misuse for spam and illegal activities. The service allowed users to obtain virtual numbers without a physical SIM, offering privacy and protection from harassment. The closure has sparked frustration among users who relied on it for managing online accounts. Users are advised to identify and update accounts linked to their virtual numbers before the service is discontinued on October 31st. Official support offers limited assistance.

DeepSeek, a Beijing-based AGI startup, announced plans to open-source five production-grade code repositories, including training frameworks and inference engines, positioning itself as a transparent alternative to Silicon Valley secrecy. Despite its rapid growth—offering GPT-4-level tools freely while monetizing enterprise APIs—the company faces scrutiny over data ties to Chinese state-linked entities, U.S. procurement bans, and IP disputes. Analysts debate whether its “daily unlocks” strategy truly fosters open collaboration or disguises proprietary advantages, as geopolitical tensions intensify in the west-east AI rivalry.